Monday, April 03, 2006
Man City 0 Boro 1
What a story and what a season it has been for eighteen year old Lee Cattermole! No Boro fan could deny that the tears shed at the end of the 4-0 defeat by Villa and then the howls of badge-kissing joy yesterday are not exactly what every football supporter wants to see from one of its players. The entire football league are jealous of our youngsters at the moment and it is this young man's time to take the spotlight, deservedly so. Stepping in for more experienced players earning several times his wage, because of injury, Cattermole has outplayed them all. Now alongside James Morrison, he is a must pick ahead of his inconsistent seniors.The first half of this match was pretty dull, both sides struggling to get a decent chance in on the opposing keeper - City just didn't appear to be trying and Boro looked a little weary if much more willing. After the break though it was a different matter as Downing, Rochemback, Yakubu, Cattermole and Boateng all found their passing boots and began stringing together move after move. The inevitable goal came from Downing's pinpoint pass on to the head of Cattermole for a never to be forgotten debut strike. And it looked like only the beginning - a dozen or so clear cut chances for the Yak, Parnaby and notably Morrison went astray in mostly unlucky circumstances, or through the guile of David James in goal, City's best player by a street on the day.
One nil did the job though and as the boss said, let's save the goals for Thursday, we will need them. It was certainly an encouraging display second half and playing that well must give us a chance at least against the Swiss champions in the game of the season so far. Praise should go to captain Chris Riggott and stand in keeper Brad Jones for the clean sheet (his best performance all year in my opinion) - perhaps it was their performances that won this for us rather than the attackers? Still in 14th place, but level on points with Pearce's warhorses now, and still closing in on that top ten place that will allow us to be as proud as we deserve to be.
My MOTM: Who could take the occasion away from Lee Cattermole? Effort, enthusiasm, toughness, determination and now finishing - good on you, lad!!!
